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Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Dorothy Parshall Date: 20 Mar 13 - 02:23 PM Internet on and off. Has been difficult at the cabin for a couple days. Weather maybe. So I am trying to pre-write so I can post when it comes back. Get about 3 minutes and then... POOF! This morning was a shovel some snow and bring in stove wood, wrote a comment of appreciation on line to an author, James Lee Burke, did a couple other posts and read a report on rabies in Ontario – 3 cases last year, then it was lunch time. Now, tired of waiting for it to come back. Posted to our local group which has been fighting the wind turbine issue in our beautiful woods and environmentally fragile pavement barren. Great news: the provincial govt is permitting our region to increase setbacks and protect the woods and the environment. Someone suggested a party with leftover funds – we had a lawyer involved. I suggested a donation to hospital or other local service. We are very happy. Now, to pottery. Maybe when I return… I have returned and again internet went on for about 2 minutes and then poof. Maybe by the time I write this it will be back or ... not. I only managed to prepare 8 largish chunks of clay and then came in to look at lists and decide what really need to be made. Try to make a comprehensive list by weight so I can just say - "OK, I feel like doing..." or "a few of .... would be good". I feel I am gradually getting more organized although I view this as something to be fun doing rather than a CHORE, it is best to make what might sell so I can afford to keep doing! The sun is shining! and the temp is over 40. I won't make it to the library today but maybe by tomorrow it will melt enough, she says hopefully! OR, the landlord will come by to see how the sap is flowing? OR I can phone the guy down the road with a big plow. It's OK because I don't have to go anywhere. I'll start that list and see if I can post this later. |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Bat Goddess Date: 20 Mar 13 - 12:46 PM Too damned much of my time is being taken up by cleaning up after snow! I just rescheduled some household tasks (plumbing and blind installation) with a friend for Friday instead of this afternoon. I. Just. Can't. Do. ANYTHING. Else. Physical. Today. (Like cleaning off the windowsills, moving the table and the stuff under the table and the chair behind the table, and getting into weird positions to shut off the water, etc.) I brought the car down to the house to unload the blinds and then take the other two bags of trash up to the road. I think I'll be leaving my car in the spot up the hill for the time being. My plow guy is coming over later to rearrange some snow that he can't do with a plow. But there's not a lot of maneuvering space for my car plus it's mud under the snow. Had to do some fancy backing and filling to turn the car around (and avoid hitting a tree during the process) so I could drive out via the turnaround. The lower bank side of the straight shot is really soft and I don't feel like driving continually over the corner of my hosta bed even if it's covered in a foot of snow. Tom definitely won't be able to get safely in and out on Friday to attempt the Press Room session again. Not sure about getting him to a doctor's appointment next week. We'll just have to see how the weather (and the driveway) progresses. Linn |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Dorothy Parshall Date: 19 Mar 13 - 11:24 PM Managed to get all the pots trimmed and they are happily drying. Well, I am happy they are drying on the baker's rack near the heater. I should be able to fire them tomorrow afternoon. With any luck I will have enough energy to throw some more in the morning, for the next round. I did a little organizing in the studio and spent time thinking about what the next lot needs to be. Managed to get rid of about 8 inches of papers, reducing quantity to two boxes or less. Another box still in the city. Almost no internet today and no phone signal most of day. Probably due to: Snowed all day, about 8-10 inches, and it was above freezing so the snow is heavy. Sure was beautiful. The snow fairy came by and said it was too heavy for his machine. I am hoping it will melt but it is to be freezing for the next couple days. And meant to snow more also, about an inch on Weds and Thurs. But it was only supposed to be about 3 inches today. I have sufficient food and the wood stove. Guess I could just stay here. The choice is to call another neighbour who has bigger equipment. R is so busy in the city there is no reason for me to be there. |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: LilyFestre Date: 19 Mar 13 - 09:25 PM PS. That is NOT me. I surely wish my belly was that small but alas, it is not. I rocked 3 legged down dog anyway!!! YAY ME! Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: LilyFestre Date: 19 Mar 13 - 09:24 PM General chores done today and a FANTASTIC (very active..think puddles of sweat on the yoga mat) yoga. The teacher came to me after class to say that she thought I was doing very well and she said, "You have an AMAZING three-legged dog!" For those of you who are unsure of what that is, look here: Three Legged Down Dog Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 19 Mar 13 - 01:10 PM Another item sold on eBay - I ran a pair of new with tags slacks (I found at the thrift store) with just a description for two weeks. Then I took the fabric blend out of the title and put "slim not skinny - flattering!" and they sold. The books I put up aren't getting much attention, I put up a couple at one price with free shipping and I put up on at a low auction price with shipping calculated to see what people prefer. Evidently they don't favor these books - they're getting closer to the box that will carry them down to Half Price Books. When I left the house this morning the washer was set ready to run in several hours. I like the time delay - I can run it in the middle of the night in the summer when they prefer you to run appliances instead of during peak cooling times. In this instance I have a few things to hang to dry and I didn't want them sitting in the washer all day getting creases to have to iron out later. About half of my dress wardrobe for work has to hang dry, but I didn't get the laundry done in the evening so it could dry overnight. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Dorothy Parshall Date: 19 Mar 13 - 09:48 AM Linn! sounds like the workshop could be very interesting - even if it is not about chain saws... I am realizing that just plain living takes time. I think I will get out to the studio by 9 but first.... IT will soon be 10 but that gives me plenty of time to wear myself out today. Yesterday turned out to be a no energy day so I gave in to it and read an entire novel of 673 pages, finishing at midnight. Charlotte Vale Allen, one of my fav authors. I found an old book of hers, which I had not seen before, at the library on Sat and .... I never went back to the city yesterday. R said not to bother; he is so busy. So I took a detox bath last eve and today I woke up feeling energy flowing. It's snowing and beautiful. I may be snowed in! One more quick message to someone special and off to work I go! |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 18 Mar 13 - 10:42 PM I first read that an thought "power tools for caregivers" and figured you'd build furniture for therapeutic reasons or go ahead and build a few ramps around the house. :) At the grocery store this week I seem to have zeroed in on produce - this evening I picked up more fruit and salad fixings. Nice weather and I feel like eating healthy is a good sign. This evening I lowered the boom on the no-pay eBay guy. He bought a similar model, newer DVR than the one I had listed on Friday, after bidding on mine on Wednesday. I told him to get in touch with me so I can relist it if he doesn't want it, or I'll leave negative feedback and I really don't want to do that. It can come back to bite you later. If he communicates that I would at least leave neutral feedback. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: LilyFestre Date: 18 Mar 13 - 10:26 PM Linn, I'm glad that you see that you really ARE doing so much!!! I think Caregivers have the hardest job in the world. <3 Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Bat Goddess Date: 18 Mar 13 - 07:46 PM Oh, yeah...AND I signed up for six weekly 1-1/2 hour classes on "Powerful Tools for Caregivers"...how to reduce stress, better communicate, balance my life, increase my ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. First one is April 9th. Looking forward to them. Linn |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Bat Goddess Date: 18 Mar 13 - 06:14 PM I feel as if I haven't gotten anything done today, but, doing a quick assessment, I guess I have. Some physical hauling-type chores this morning, plus getting Tom dressed and his feet and knees medicated before the visiting nurse arrived between 11 & 12:00. Tom's physical therapist was due at 1:00. Got some banana bread baked and while PT was going on (Tom said it was a good workout) I decluttered an email account. After everyone left, I made lunch and then intended to head out to do some errands before it starts to snow again (later tonight and all day tomorrow). Car said, uh uh. I hadn't driven it since we got home from the hospital just before midnight on Friday. I was frozen deep in a coupla three inches of ice. Stuck kitty litter fore and aft all the tires, tried backing, tried forward in 1st...nada. Littered everything once more and tried again. No go. A friend came over to schedule some plumbing, gave me a look like "Girl driver..." and tried. Vindicated. He couldn't get it out of the ice either. So I called a neighbor with a truck and a length of chain and he got me right out. So I picked up Tom's prescription, got some groceries and white wine and picked up some miscellaneous stuff at the drug store to help make Tom's life a little more pain free and help his foot heal. Got everything into the house. Paid some bills. Updated Tom's meds list (that I pass out like candy every time he's at the doctor, Urgent Care, ER, hospital). I'm wiped and it's way too late for a nap. As a matter of fact, it's time to put dinner in. Thank goodness I got something really simple for supper! Oh, and last night before Tom went to bed I took down notes on his reminiscences on the different music crowds in Boston in the '60s, when he first met various people, stuff like that. Should have gotten the notes transcribed today, but didn't. Mañana...if we have power. Linn |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 18 Mar 13 - 05:29 PM Yesterday I took apart the system of extension cords and thermal plugs (to turn on the circuit to the heater if the room got below 40 degrees) and put the oil heaters away for the year. I finished the yard work for this week - it will now be at least weekly until October. Unless it's really hot and dry in the summer. Mailed a box from an eBay sale, and I'm afraid my guy who won a bid last week is going to be a deadbeat. He has purchased and paid for other things since, so I wonder if he somehow doesn't know that he bought this? I'll send one last note tomorrow, and tell him I really hate leaving negative feedback. Aches and pains and allergy symptoms this morning after all of the weekend yard work. I'll call my friend Antonio and see if he can come help dig up the gardens or I'll never get it all done - my job is taking more than 40 hours per week right now, not leaving a lot of garden time. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: wysiwyg Date: 18 Mar 13 - 04:25 PM Hm..... where am I? Oh yes, diocesan Anti-Racism ministry tasks got very hot this week so I've been busier than a one-armed paperhanger on that, while also expediting some financial matters related to my recent medical cost over-runs. In my spare time I am working my way thru alterations that need tweaking with my trusty little sewing kit, and clearing the decks for ramped-up PT plans (a coming period of needful ouchies). I also inserted the next round of alts into a garment bag that is ready to load up when Sirina calls to say that the flannel blouse is ready, which I left with her when I picked up the first round of alts she had done. These next alts are items I had done myself by hand (poorly) in case I needed SOMETHING to put on for a formal occasion. But in FB fotos I am told I am faboo, in my sewing as well as hers. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: LilyFestre Date: 18 Mar 13 - 02:31 PM Dishes and laundry(clothing) is done...might throw in a couple of rugs before the day is over. I spent most of the morning planning a bus (day) trip for a group of friends. I sent in the final details and am waiting to hear from the company about the cost per person. I am really excited about it! :) Next on the list is to write a few letters to some potential sponsors for our Relay For Life team and thank you notes to friends and family who did something special to help Jeremiah celebrate his birthday! It's snowing fast and furious here...small flakes but coming down sideways in the strong winds that are going on. I am thankful that Pete has a job where he can work from home on days like this. It's good to have all of us at home. Jeremiah was up 3 times last night. The first time he just needed Mama to rub his back for a minute. The second time he was crying I went into his room and he said, "Mommy say a prayer." I did and he went right back to sleep. Around 4am he cried again and Pete got up with him. Jeremiah was UP. Pete stayed up with him, took him outside to *help* with morning chores and then for a walk in the woods to get rid of some energy. Both of my guys are now sound asleep. :) The animals are curled up on the couch or by the fire and sleeping too. Only Mags (my Bernese Mtn dog) and I are awake. She is sitting 4 feet from the front porch loving the snow! I hope the rest of you can stay in if you are in the path of this storm. My heart is happy. Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Dorothy Parshall Date: 18 Mar 13 - 01:05 PM Attacked first box of archives this morning while trying to get the fire going. Turned out to be mostly personal letters and neat stuff. Most of box is a keeper. Included a small article on clutter! Next box, please. How many years in the past do things have to be? Not the issue, I guess. More like how much emotional attachment. Memories. Saturday morning gave me a horrendous look at how past memories can return with no expectation and like a ton of bricks. What was happening was mildly disturbing until my brain heard "RIGHT NOW!" (No one said it but I "heard" it.) I lost it. A near 50 year old memory of abusive husband reduced me to a blubbering mass of protoplasm. Felt run over by a steam roller the rest of the day, but reasonably functional. We went to the library where I came upon a book, Unchained Memories by Lenore Terr, 1994, about just this sort of thing, and much worse memories, surfacing. It would appear that there is no way, short of brain surgery, to de-clutter ourselves of the good, bad or ugly. The inside cover blurb starts out, "Can a long-forgotten memory of a horrible event suddenly resurface years later?" I will read it as my brain is willing and able. For now, I am back in the peace of the country after a busy day in the city yesterday. Building up the energy to go trim pots and do more organizing in the studio. We came within 15 minutes of getting a large and useless-to-me kiln out of the studio on Sat eve. I had cleared an exit path but R needed to get back to the city before his restricted license became a pumpkin - 9 pm and never on Sunday. Maybe today.I really want that space for shelves. As we removed left-behind-by-others stuff from a building yesterday, I found some thin plywood, already cut to right size, that might serve as shelving in the bakery racks, if it is not too thin, in which case it will be fire starter. So there is SRS mowing and we still have a foot of snow covering most everywhere and more to come in the next couple days. |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 18 Mar 13 - 12:16 AM Sounds like we've all been humming right along! I finished mowing, did the trimming (and both the electric and gas trimmers are full of string and ready to go.) I sprayed spinosad on dog droppings in the morning and picked up all and buried it in the compost this evening. I'll be out there every day or two to get them early so the dogs aren't eaten alive. Kitchen is clean, some paperwork done, but not all, but I'm getting a good night's sleep tonight. It can wait. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Dorothy Parshall Date: 17 Mar 13 - 10:25 PM Major-ly de-cluttered emails by finally realizing I did not have to get all those emails about who posted what on FB! It took a lot of time just to delete 200 or so. The return of energy got me to make a whole bunch of pots this week. I plumb wore myself out with un- accustomed activities and still have a bunch of trimming to do. Commuted to the cabin most weekdays to be able to work. It felt great to get the work done but body got achy and I had to take a break. I hope to be able to get back at it tomorrow and have a bisque kiln load early in the week and two glaze firings to have new stuff for the Farm market next Sunday. Glazed a probable kiln load but want to do the bisque first so I have test tiles on which to try out new glaze combinations. Made delicious pancakes yesterday and today with part buckwheat, part chickpea flour, sour milk, apples and cinnamon. De-tox baths took up large chinks of 3 days last week. But seem to help the energy level. Decided last night that those boxes of archives could move to the vicinity of the wood stove, one at a time, and go into the fire box as needed. If something exciting comes to the surface, it can be rescued. I have reached the point of just wanting to be rid of the whole lot. The filing cabinet could use a blitz also. NEXT! |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: LilyFestre Date: 17 Mar 13 - 12:13 PM Dishes done, groceries put away, laundry going, a large salad made (should last a few days), a pot of homemade potato/vegetable chowder is cooking on the stove and I'm showered and dressed. And oh yes....Jeremiah!!! :) It's been a busy morning around here. Pete is out in the woods scaring up some fire wood, Jeremiah has picked up all his toys and is happily playing and I am putting my feet up for the first time in 4 hours. Later we will be visiting with friends. Coffee for the adults and coookies for the wee man. Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 17 Mar 13 - 11:53 AM This morning when I looked out the back door it was nice to see the expanse of mowed lawn. I quit last night when it was pretty dark out there. I still have to mow behind the garage and go out with the trimmer. Part of the laundry is done, I'll put another batch in, then do some shopping. And I need to do more mowing and some digging. Busy day all around. First thing I'm listing a couple of paperbacks on eBay. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 16 Mar 13 - 09:58 PM Linn - the adventures of living in an icy climate. I'm glad we didn't have to change the name of that hospital thread again! This afternoon I got gas for the mower and I did the front yard and about 2/3 of the back yard before it was too dark to see what I was doing. I'd scooped earlier, and tomorrow I'll go out with some spinosad spray and spritz each fresh pile out there. This is what I figured out last year for killing the flies that clobber the dogs. Let the bait lure them over and the spinosad (an organic insect killer) knock them off or stop eggs from hatching. This is the time of year when I'll get the most workout, during the early growing season, so I need to make the most of this time to drop the weight I slathered on over the winter. Two hours of mowing is a good start. Computer work tonight, though I have some stuff out for cooking so I'll have leftovers for lunch this week. I may pace myself and fix some tomorrow. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Bat Goddess Date: 16 Mar 13 - 07:51 PM Didn't think I'd get anything useful accomplished today...except maybe a nap. Tom fell yesterday on his way into The Press Room and put a gash in the back of his head. He was okay otherwise, and the bleeding pretty much stopped right away (amazing since he's on blood thinners), and he really wanted to visit with people so, despite the fact I thought it needed to be looked at by a professional and probably needed stitches, we stuck around the session for a bit. A friend called another session regular who is a is a FNP-C and she brought her gear to look at the wound and pronounced it, indeed, needed stitches. So at 5 PM we headed to Lee Urgent Care which was on the way home. Sigh. Good idea and Tom got in right away, but...because he's on blood thinners he needed to have a CAT scan and they couldn't do that, so sent us on to Dover (semi-backtracking on the 2nd leg of a triangle from Portsmouth) to the ER. And the Wentworth-Douglass ER was having a busy night. 2-1/2 hours waiting until he could get the CAT scan. Then wait for it to be interpreted (it came out fine; and a doc said it was the quickest he seen that accomplished, too), then wait to get stitched up. Five hours (there -- not counting the time at Lee Urgent Care and the half hour drive). We didn't leave the hospital until 11 PM. (He fell at 4.) Oh, and it was FxxKING SNOWING when we came home!!! Arghhhh! Couldn't go right to bed, of course. Plus had to post at Facebook so people wouldn't worry since they hadn't heard from us sooner. (Cell wouldn't work in that part of the hospital.) So didn't turn out the light until 1:15 -- and woke up at 7:00 AM. I don't function on too little sleep. Did get a short nap, but it didn't help. But I did bring stuff in from the car (despite it being iced in -- tricky) and finished a Vanity Fair from a couple weeks ago. Then got some more ephemera into the yearly binders. (Mostly from the '90s.) Soon to bed and hope I more awake tomorrow. Both Tom and I slept well, just not long enough. Linn |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 16 Mar 13 - 06:07 PM After digging out jars and boxes of odd bits leftover from hardware installed around the house I found an "L" bracket the right size to mend the broken corner (broken weld) on the back gate. It's a temporary mend, not a permanent repair, just enough so I can come and go through the back gate until I get new panels and install them. Now to go get gas for the mower and string trimmer. The eBay buyer has until Tuesday before I cancel the sale and relist. Fingers crossed he does pay - I'd like to be finished with this box now. On another listing matter, I picked up a pile of books and looked up the authors in the recent sales and kept a stack that have mostly sold well recently. I'll list those individually. I was inactive enough for a while that if someone looks at my account now they don't see a rating for communication, promptness, fair prices, shipping, etc. That feedback has to populate after 10 sales reports are filled out, so I have a few more to go before it shows up. I want to sell the chandelier when people can see all of that information, so I'm flogging books and other smaller stuff until then. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: wysiwyg Date: 16 Mar 13 - 05:55 PM We've been working through the alterations... So weird to see LEGS under all these-- everything got shortened. I snugged up two skirts' waistbands with elastic today. I also took in a pair of jeans that were falling down WAY too easy! ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 16 Mar 13 - 05:13 PM Are you cutting the books out of the spine to do the scan? In the library where I work they do that then send them out to be rebound. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: JohnInKansas Date: 16 Mar 13 - 01:47 PM I've mentioned before that I've been clearing bookshelves by scanning the good stuff to store on a hard drive. My main scanner for this, since it can scan both sides of a page in a single pass without turning the paper over (and destroying many pages) has a feed roller that needs to be replaced periodically. I got a notice last week that I've just worn out the SECOND roller and need to replace it. The "Maintenance Manager" says that I've put 210,932 sheets through it so far. That's about 8 linear feet of shelf space that can now be used to store some of the books that have been in piles on the floor, replaced by only about 350 GB of drive space. And only 147 feet of books left for the ones currently on shelves (which are most of the ones actually worth saving, although "she" persists in asking me to save some of "her" worthless junk too). The other two scanners I've made a little less use of - required mainly for stuff that's too wide for the little one, but both much slower - don't keep track as visibly and apparently don't need the same sort of periodic fixing, although test sheets on both of them show >20,000 sheets passed on each. A side benefit is that for the ones where the OCR did a reasonably decent job, I can now search the ones I've converted on the computer to go directly to any individual item (quote, formula, etc) I want in any book (as long as I can guess what spelling the OCR might have turned it into). The critical importance of getting this done, of course, is that we're very much into "bookishness." "Her" life consists primarily of three activities which are 1.) read a book, 2.) feed the cats, 3.) take a nap. I now have the additional "Put another page in the scanner" (to the tune of "Put Another Log on the Fire") to keep me active - and it's probably more exercise than I'd get otherwise. John |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 16 Mar 13 - 12:34 PM Waiting on an eBay sale to be paid for, then another good-sized box is out of the house. It's a lovely day for gardening, so after I finish a cuppa tea I'm into the yard for the duration. I have to take a Sudafed before I go out, I'm feeling the spring pollen this week. It'll be on top of my regular zyrtec. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: wysiwyg Date: 15 Mar 13 - 09:00 PM Good 'un SRS. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 15 Mar 13 - 04:25 PM The box handed to the mail carrier today had a lot of baggage: it contained the recently-sold tureen from an old family china set (not usable because it is semi-vitreous, but it is beautiful and some people collect it). The china top and bottom were each packed in their own shaped box and these were in turn placed into a larger shipping box that has been around the house for years. As I was preparing to tape the large box shut I scribbled off some of the identifying notes on the outside SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 15 Mar 13 - 10:08 AM Time spent in the office this week doesn't amount to anywhere near the exertions some of you are going through. I have such a spaghetti behind my computer that I can imagine your task, Linn. And it bugs me when I get started but I have to extricate myself to go get my office glasses so I can read all of the little embossed symbols on the back of the computer for plugging things in properly. And sometimes pulling the portable Ott light back there for more clarity. Heavy lifting this weekend - it must be out in the garden. I am so far behind in getting started. We have a long growing season, but I won't have stuff quite as early as I like (though the perennial stuff is producing - I've had several meals with asparagus and there is chard and lots of herbs out there.) Heard from Kat yesterday - she sounded strong and her usual self - love you too, girl! SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: LilyFestre Date: 14 Mar 13 - 03:50 PM Another day at home and I've been puttering about. Jeremiah is doing very well with the potty training and I'm very happy about that! I had some time to post photos from his family birthday party over on FB if any of you are interested. :) All my basic chores are done, laundry is caught up and now I'm washing things like shower curtains, curtains, a few quilts, etc. I have a pile of CDs that has been sitting on top of a shelf for quite some time now that is just bugging me. I think today will be the day to sort through and find a new space for them. My CD rack is FULL. Pete has been working extraordinarily hard lately. Early last evening he took a 4 hour nap. He was sitting on the couch, kinda leaned to one side. Then the other. And then he sat straight up and leaned forward so his chest was resting on his knees. I woke him up each time but in about 2 breaths he started to snore again. He slept all night and woke up late (SO not like him) this morning. I decided that he's just catching up on some rest but because he does work so hard to take care of us, that I'd make him a special treat. He loves Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies, so I have a batch cooling on some wax paper at this very moment. I keep offering to go back to work (even though I really do enjoy being a stay at home mom) and he continues to tell me that he wants me home with Jeremiah. It makes things tight but we waited our whole lives for him and if at all possible, I will continue to stay home with my now 3 year old little boy. In the meantime...Pete is exhausted and it makes me feel good to make him treats. :) I have a casserole planned for dinner. I'll start that as soon as Jeremiah goes down for a nap (which should be soon). Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Bat Goddess Date: 14 Mar 13 - 01:44 PM Figured I'd check in here while waiting to catch my breath and stop sweating so much from my contortions straightening out the tangle of cordage behind the old computer. If I didn't love Tom so damned much, I'd be really tempted to strangle him right about now. He has always been proprietary about setting up the computers and phone system, etc. so the tangle is all his fault (compounded by my complacency). Today I just needed to replace the old cordless phone's base unit with the one for the new phone -- just trace the wires back and plug in the new ones. Simple, right? Well... My first move was to try to extricate all the cords that aren't actually plugged in, or plugged into the power strip that isn't plugged in. (Hey! Does this sound like my phone cord simplification of last year on the other side of the house around the "new" computer? Uh huh.) And it's not an easy place to try to trace cords back to the source. Found more than a few that weren't attached on either end, just wound around all the other cords. Took those out one at a time. If Tom had removed them at the time when other things were installed and they were made redundant, it would REALLY be useful right about now. Okay. I cleared out more techno-crap (including the replaced cordless phone) and gotten some of the extra long phone wire a bit more under control. AND the new phone has both phone and power cord plugged in and has achieved dial tone. Yeehah! Still has to charge a few more hours, but then Tom will have a phone with a much larger display and really big lighted buttons and he won't be getting anywhere near as frustrated as he's been and he won't be accidently screwing up calls. I've got one mystery cord. Can't find the end behind the desk and computer. There's just nothing back there that looks like it. And if I try to poke the free end up through the knee hole up behind the desk, I can't grab it from the top and Tom can't see well enough to help me. I didn't know my body could still get into some of those positions. I'm going to give it one more shot, then I'll put the lamp back (and plug it in) and replace the chair. But that's another room that needs to be de-cluttered, if only everything else didn't take priority. Arghhh! Linn |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 14 Mar 13 - 12:58 PM And a second good-sized box will head out the door. Every little bit helps! A couple of years ago some of you read about my friend who lost his house to foreclosure. He found an apartment and got moved, and in the process the bank offered him $2000 if he would empty the house to "broom clean." He couldn't turn it down, and I helped finance the dumpster, and was paid back after he was paid. He had a roommate in that apartment, because his own credit wasn't good enough to get in. That roommate left last summer because he was up north at his parents' home to attend a wedding and was injured in a motorcycle accident. He now lives with his parents and goes through the PT required after such an accident. My friend could afford the rent without him, and enjoyed using more space, but this month the lease came up for renewal. In a rather odd way, it became clear that the longest he could get a lease was for 7 months. It seems that the building will empty out at that point and the new owners may plan to tear it down. So - the good news is that my friend was able to find and rent a new place on his own. It's about 20 months since the foreclosure and that time of paying bills on time has given him enough credit that he can get it on his own. They did ask for a larger deposit. And since he is only moving the contents of the apartment (he has a storage locker for a lot of stuff from the house) it will seem like a breeze. I'll help him out if he needs it, but this will be a simple process of a couple of truckloads, not all of the work of filling dumpsters. This apartment is still in a not-so-great neighborhood and lots of Section 8 renters, but after another year or so he'll be back to full income (he has been paying himself back from borrowing against his 401k - withholding nearly half of his income to payback for work on a roof he no longer owns). At that point, with a better score and full wages, he will be able to move to a nicer place. It has been a slow process, but overall, tolerable. He has a roof over his head and is getting on with his life. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 14 Mar 13 - 09:36 AM I'm waiting for the winner of an auction to pay and then one largish-sized box is out the door. On to a good home where it will go back into service. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: freda underhill Date: 14 Mar 13 - 12:06 AM Linn, decluttering for two - things from over the decades. That's an achievement, amongst all the caring and recovery you're doing. Took around forty books to the second hand bookshop, came away with some children's books for the grandkids, and DVDs. Today passsed on a backpack, a denim jacket and a small leather backpack to a friend. slowly making more space, and constantly identifying more things to go. freda |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 13 Mar 13 - 09:57 PM Jeri, I agree about shiny things. Then next trick is to use them for what I intended, once I have the clear space to work, like Freda described. Freda, is it possible to have too many CDs? Like "too many" books - it's more a matter of too little storage, not too many of those precious items. Linn - I love that tape story. Did you look in the litter box? Things are turning finally at eBay. It took a little while to get things up that would sell, but I've sold four in the last week and another has a bid on it, and there are watchers on two others. In my opinion there's no point in listing big things until you have some current positive feedback so people thinking about bidding can see you're active and reliable. And if, in the process, you clear out the contents of a couple of shelves in the closet or the bulk on top of a table, all the better! Made a big batch of guacamole tonight, consumed a portion and put the rest in ice cube trays in the freezer. I'm going to turn off the computer pretty soon - I'm trying to get adjusted to the time change, I'm not there yet. The computer can be so distracting that I forget to watch the clock. I had an auction with a "buy it now" price that sold this afternoon. If he pays tonight I can drop that box at the post office in the morning on my way to work. And there goes one of the satellite receivers I haven't used in years. I made a couple of trips up and down all six flights of stairs in the library today. I need to get up every hour or so and walk around, it might as well be five minutes climbing stairs. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Bat Goddess Date: 13 Mar 13 - 11:27 AM Wow. Threw out a whole bunch of empty envelopes. (I used to ask Tom if he wanted an album or something to save them in. I KNOW ephemera collectors save the damnedest things, but he claims it's not a formal hobby...) And a bunch of income tax information booklets for a number of years. Saved the covers (with the year on it) and stapled the other paperwork for that year to them. Got all the old tax information neatly filed TOGETHER in a hanging file. Tom's newspaper columns and other writing from the '90s are now filed where they actually SHOULD be filed. Found a really neat GWB magnet set I'd forgotten we had, plus Alf Edwards' concertina book and a bunch of set lists that need to be filed elsewhere. Oh, and about a 4 or 5 inch stack of 2005 Newsweeks, soon to be glanced at and THROWN OUT. And I'm starting to get the other financial files into the drawer in an organized way. Throwing useless stuff out is wonderfully satisfying. Wish it made a bigger dent, though. Linn |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: wysiwyg Date: 13 Mar 13 - 10:20 AM Among the 3 bags of alterations I got back Monday, there was a repaired purse. I had been concerned that perhaps during my illness and recovery, with a bigger purse always with me, that I had gone to too much "pursage" to fit into that old favorite, but I just repacked it for the trip and it all FIT!!! So the old bigger-than-a-seaman's-duffel that held 12 full size pillows and a change of clothes , plus my purse, went-- eventually-- to a pull-along suitcase with 8 mini-pillows and a change of clothes, plus my purse. And now THAT has gone to the matching piece of zippered luggage (a shoulder bag like a camera bag), no larger than a large purse, plus my purse. The bag and purse, last month, became the only extra "pillows" I needed in addition to whatever pillows the host has lying around in their LR. TBTG! I do not recall being this portable since my 20's. It is one of the best "take-aways" from the months on my back in the nursing home-- because now I can sleep WELL, that way, for a night or two, on a narrow couch. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: wysiwyg Date: 13 Mar 13 - 09:33 AM The last days' rain-soaked ground here seems to be getting a day off from rain to dry up some.... bodes well for me, because PT started Monday and according to assigned exercises, I will need to be beyond the ramp and out around the perimeter of the yard pretty soon, walking faster than mudboots will allow. The asphalt road however is looking purty good.... Off to Rochester for a travel-light overnighter. Love it that now I can sleep on couches!!! Boondocker not yet set up for camping season but have plan to fit cot and dog crate in there so F boondocks, too. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Bat Goddess Date: 13 Mar 13 - 08:27 AM Okay, Tom's up and I've medicated his knees and foot, got him coffee, etc. and will make breakfast in a bit. (It's Wednesday, so we do a "weekend" breakfast instead of just an English muffin or something.) Already cleared out the top drawer of the file cabinet behind Tom and taken the pile upstairs. Looks like a bunch o' stuff I didn't know we had plus some Newsweeks from 2005 and maybe a few tax files. I've already decided that this drawer (and the one below it, if necessary) is where all the financial files will live -- instead of disorganized and scattered around on the top of the cabinet...on the map chest on my side of the table...in a pile next to Tom. (Basically, he's finally come to grips with the fact that he can't see well enough to take care of all this stuff and that it's okay for ME to organize it and stow it somewhere closeby but not strewn all over in full sight of anyone who comes into the house.) It's hard for Tom to admit he needs to rearrange how he's always done things because he can no longer see well enough. Later I'll pick up the new cordless phone for him with a much larger, clearer display and BIG buttons. It will be a lot less frustrating for him. And yesterday I ordered an atomic watch for him that will announce the time when he pushes a button. Also on the docket today is checking out a couple possible "new" (to me, at least) cars since I need to replace my aging '97 Subaru (the engine will go on forever, but the rest of the car is falling apart) real soon now. Lots of melting last night -- hope the driveway hasn't gotten any worse than it has been. Linn |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: freda underhill Date: 12 Mar 13 - 06:09 PM it always feels great to clear space, and I seem to only be able to do artwork in an uncluttered environment. so I've slowly started decluttering again- grandchildren's toys to neighbours' children, books to the second hand shop. I have far too many CDs .. but .. will work hard on this today.. |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Jeri Date: 12 Mar 13 - 04:31 PM It's this century's wasabi. Linn, I predict you'll find the tape when you step on it...possibly sans shoes. I've found a new thing to do with beads: embroidery. Not on clothing (yet) but in jewelry making. If you're gonna horde something, pick something small and shiny, that's what I say. There rest of the stuff in here isn't intentional--honest. |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: LilyFestre Date: 12 Mar 13 - 04:23 PM LOL...I can just see that story in progress!!! =^..^= Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Bat Goddess Date: 12 Mar 13 - 04:00 PM Paperwork today...so it doesn't look as if I've done anything, but it's major. Just back from the PO so they're all out of the house and on their way. And all the phone calls de-cluttered, too. Had to buy a new roll of clear packaging tape today because yesterday, after I packaged up some cookbooks for ClaireBear, I left the tape dispenser on the table. Rufus has been more aggressive about claiming the table as HIS lately, so leaped up and settled his puddy tat bum right smack in the middle of everything...and the tape and dispenser attached itself to his tail. Well, that was exciting. He ran, first in one direction, bounced off the wall, and went tear-ass in the other direction and up the stairs. Alas, by the time he came back downstairs, the dispenser had untaped itself from his tail. I've looked all over and can't find it. Figured I might have half a chance of finding it if I bought another roll...and I'll use it anyway. (Maybe get a couple more packages out tomorrow...that's less clutter in the house.) Good advice about eBay selling, Maggie. Now I just have to get off MY rear end and do some of it. Tom's physical therapist has been and gone...will be back on Thursday. And I've just taken the shortbread out of the oven. Now I think I'll go upstairs and call a friend who had to cut our call short last week. Linn |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: LilyFestre Date: 12 Mar 13 - 01:22 PM I spent this morning going through Jeremiah's clothing and taking the too small things and putting them in a marked tote. They will be photographed and put up for sale tomorrow. :) Any leftovers will land at our annual yard sale. The nursery is looking good! I still need to vacuum, dust and put away some clothes but now that I have only the current size he is wearing (summer clothes are already here and set aside for warmer weather..just need socks and shoes for the upcoming season)and clothes that have been given to us and are still to big are in another tote. It's been a productive morning. This afternoon I will continue with the laundry (potty training means lots of laundry!), dishes and a new bread recipe to try! It's rainy and gray but I'm enjoying my day at home with my little buddy. :) Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 12 Mar 13 - 12:08 PM All too often everything goes in boxes for the move because sorting is too difficult at the time of the move. I've sorted after the move when I had the leisure to do so - you may ship more than you intended, but the extra stuff can be a revenue stream. I've sold several thousands of dollars worth of stuff on eBay over about 8 years. There are other Mudcatters who sell on eBay, and some sell some pretty amazing stuff. There are a couple of threads you can look for. It takes some practice to do it in a way that describes the object correctly, offers clear and adequate photographs, and the item is appropriately packed for shipping. Don't sell things that aren't in suitable good condition for their age, i.e., antiques that have a normal sort of wear are fine as long as you describe and photograph any issues, understanding they are to be expected. But if you have stuff that is just used and doesn't work, unless you sell it for repair or parts (which is a great way to move stuff out of the house to someone who can use it). Bottom line, sell things in the condition and shipped in the way that you would want to receive it if you were buying the item online. It is time consuming, but once you have a system for selling it goes faster. I have a space with materials for photographing and packing anything I'm selling. There is a set of shelves with padded envelopes, various sizes of cardboard, rolls of bubble wrap, scissors, packing tape, a scale, paper and pens, various sizes of small ziplock bags, bags of styrofoam peanuts, a big bag of those air bladders that come from Amazon and there are also some good big pieces of wadded up paper in a trash bag under the table. I have flattened boxes behind a cabinet and a big box full of small boxes that have come in the mail. I need to recycle cardboard every so often when I end up with too much of it, but keep a supply, and know where you can find or buy boxes if you need them. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: wysiwyg Date: 12 Mar 13 - 10:59 AM My project also is a downsize. The actual move is years off, so I get to finish prep that started the day the kids moved out. We are looking at a specific property that will either come through and be IT, or be the size of what ends up as IT. Thus I know the approximate layout, as well as the lot size. So as I move thru this house working on stuff, my eye and mind are doing background "shopping." Like this: "OH! I know where YOU are going to be sitting, and how you will be used...." It started by my designating years ago, "eventual keepers" and "eventual leave-behinds." The great evolution is that for some years we will rent the new place out-- which means round one of "leavers" will furnish it for the tenant and round two will be to ditch that stuff THEN, once we are set to live in it, and bring in the keepers. And now I know the square footage. :~) Right now the most fun part is mentally furnishing the outdoor part! :~) ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: ranger1 Date: 12 Mar 13 - 08:53 AM Welcome, Dave! I was commenting a while back about not having any fellas on the thread. I downsized recently, too, to a 400 square foot cottage. The local charity shop has gotten to know me quite well, too. |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Dave the Gnome Date: 12 Mar 13 - 07:53 AM We just moved house and downsized. Hell of a way to de-clutter! The charity shop near our old house were sick of seeing us! We still had too much so the new local charity shop is getting to know us well too :-) Out of interest - Does anyone using ebay have any advice for getting rid of old stuff? We generaly give it away but I suppose selling some would make more sense if we can. Cheers DtG |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: LilyFestre Date: 11 Mar 13 - 06:08 PM SRS, It sounds like YOU have been very busy as well!!!! While the baby was napping today, I took care of something that has been bugging me for months but it's a messy job and I just didn't want to do it. Today was the day!!! We have a 10 gallon fish tank that has been sitting empty for a LONG time....so long that the water all evaporated!! Today I took out the statues, the filter and heater...cleaned them all up. Dumped out all the teeny tiny rocks and rinsed them very, very well and then scrubbed out the tank. Everything has been put back and the tank is now full of water. It needs to set a bit and then take a few days for the water to come to temperature. In the meantime, I need to get some drops to add to the water to make sure it's fish friendly and hopefully this weekend I'll be adding some fish! Jeremiah LOVES to watch the *shishies!* HOORAY! Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 11 Mar 13 - 05:51 PM We're like kids at side-by-side play, sometimes interacting, sometimes just reporting and moving on. Sounds like Linn is exhausted and Michelle is very busy. I haven't gotten a lot done in these four days, but I have been occupied the whole time. Some of it the black hole of facebook. :-/ I just photographed and packed up the old DVR, and am using up bags of packing material as I work. My goal is to confine my packing materials under the table in the sun room and out of sight in the cupboard in there. You know how it works - you receive a few things with styrofoam peanuts or various sorts of bubble wrap or plastic air pockets. If you do much shipping, it's simply impossible to throw it out. Instead, you need to find a way to ship it to other people. :) It warmed up this afternoon, so time to take the dogs for a walk. We can all use it. SRS |
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